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Psoriasis patients at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes

Patients with psoriasis had a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, with disease severity increasing the risk, according to recent study results.

Researchers used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a cohort study of 6,611 patients with psoriasis (mean age, 42.39 years; 54.12% men) and 6,806 adults without psoriasis (mean age, 33.04 years; 49.18% men). Of the psoriasis cohort, 796 patients (12.04%) experienced severe psoriasis and 5,815 (87.96%) had mild psoriasis. Mean follow-up was 4.72 ± 2.83 years for the psoriasis cohort and 4.79 ± 2.91 years for controls.

Psoriasis was independently associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; severe: HR=2.06; 95% CI, 1.58-2.68 vs. mild: HR=1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55) after adjusting for comorbidities and concomitant medications. Age, Cushing’s disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension and increased cumulative doses of thiazide and methotrexate also were independent risk factors.

Researchers said the study was limited because the database did not include information for the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and for diabetes risk factors, including obesity, exercise status, family history and BMI.

“This study showed that patients with psoriasis are at a moderately higher risk of developing T2DM compared with the risk in those without a history of psoriasis,” the researchers concluded. “The risk was modulated by the severity of psoriasis, comorbidites and concomitant medication. Patients with psoriasis and their physicians should be aware of the potential link with T2DM and concomitant medication.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.